June 2021

JUNE 2021 AFTERMARKET 35 differential-before-clutch assembly (DBC). This is where a transmission input shaft is mounted in front of the dual- mass flywheel (DMF). DBC is used in particular in vehicles with an engine installed longitudinally and front-wheel drive. The installation of a DBC is easy using the included special tool. SACHS provides the relevant installation instructions.” Craig added: “Through the ZF [pro]Tech initiative, we are now running a series of training courses online, to ensure that no one misses out while face-to-face training is on hold. These include electrically instructed person training, transmission solutions training, and autonomous driving. Training detailing common warranty issues on clutch and DMF and solutions to these problems is also offered.” Frictionless Whether a vehicle is a car or a hard-working LCV, eventually it will need its transmission oil changed. According Patrick Stüdemann, Technical Trainer International at MEYLE, this process cab be simpler than you think: “Transmission oil undergoes a natural ageing process, with the oil wearing out and additives diminishing over time. This can lead to changed gear shifting conditions and reduced driving comfort up to costly transmission defects. So, it’s all the more important to change the oil on a regular basis. This prevents damage to the transmission and maintains transmission function and driving comfort. An oil change should be carried out every 35,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on driving behaviour and model. “With the goal to make oil changes as frictionless and as quick as possible, MEYLE offers more than 60 oil change kits, which come with all the components required.“ Top tips On tips for for changing the oil in automatic gearboxes, Patrick observed: “First, the manufacturer’s instruction should be read thoroughly before every oil change. Next, scan the fault memory using the diagnostic interface. This helps identify any existing damage and will prevent unnecessary servicing. After lifting the vehicle as horizontally as possible, the external mechatronic plug-in connector should be checked for leaks and plug casing and seal should be replaced and tightened, if necessary. As often once-off stress bolts are used, the sump screw should always be replaced during the oil change. The respective new oil sump screws are included in the MEYLE kits. “Remaining oil should always be drained from the torque converter. This is done by turning the torque Dayco Check and change rule Moving further down the system, the auxiliary belt and drive system are often overlooked in terms of regular examination and replacement. As Dayco Country Manager Steve Carolan pointed out, unlike the previous generation neoprene rubber-based belt, the EPDM formulated belt used nowadays, wears very differently, and necessitates a different approach: “The current EPDM technology belt wears gradually, not unlike the wear to a tyre, which actually makes it more difficult to detect. If the vehicle has covered 60,000 miles or more, the belt should be thoroughly inspected and if it shows any sign of damage or wear, should automatically be replaced. “To help technicians correctly assess the condition of the belt, Dayco has designed the aWEARness gauge, which provides them with three ways to check whether the belt needs to be replaced or is okay to be reinstalled. The two most relevant to an EPDM belt are the wear indicator bar, which highlights material loss and the profile indicator, which reveals whether the belt retains its correct form. Both reflect the level of wear and if the belt fails either check, it must be replaced.” Steve added: “Wear on the belt could also indicate wear to the other components in the auxiliary drive system, which is why technicians also need to thoroughly assess the condition of these associated parts. Particular attention should be paid to the tensioner, because, in common with the timing drive system, the wrong tension on the belt can exacerbate wear and contribute to the potential failure of the drive system.” converter to the right position and – with some gearboxes – by removing the additional oil pump to get to the torque converter’s outlet screw. Running the engine at raised revs of between around 1,500 and 2,000 RPM, under no load, in neutral, for 20 seconds will fill the torque converter. The correct oil level can be measured once the transmission oil has reached the prescribed temperature. With some vehicles, the manufacturer stipulates transmission adaption after changing the oil, which is done on a suitable test bed or while driving, using the menus on the diagnostic device.” Further information about MEYLE kits go to: www.meyle.com/en/meyle-kits Borg & Beck SMF Replacement Clutch Kit Left: MEYLE Oil Change Kit